Middle Management to Entrepreneurship: Your Launchpad to Freedom
- (Admin) The Thrivology Company
- May 27, 2024
- 6 min read
Leapfrogging the Sticky Floor: Why Middle Management Might Be Your Launchpad to Entrepreneurial Freedom
Ever feel like you're stuck in corporate quicksand, love? You’re not alone. So many women find themselves in middle management, hitting that invisible "sticky floor," where promotions seem elusive & the ladder to the top feels more like a treadmill. You're working hard, juggling responsibilities, probably navigating the beautiful chaos of motherhood too – yet, that sense of fulfillment, that feeling of truly owning your impact, just isn't there. Sound familiar? Thought so!
I've been there. Navigating the corporate world, often feeling undervalued & unheard, is a journey I know all too well. It’s that feeling of being a replaceable cog in a giant machine, where your ideas get lost in the noise, your contributions aren't fully recognized, & the flexibility you need to truly thrive as a woman, as a mother, just isn't an option. Honestly, I remember that time at Electrolux when, on my very first day, some new starters saw me, a young Black woman, and just assumed I must be joining customer services. Their shocked faces when I said I was the new Marketing Manager? Yeah, talk about a not-so-subtle reminder of how limiting beliefs can show up in the workplace. It's like that time my dad had to shout at my primary school teachers for trying to silence me – it taught me early on that finding your voice and owning your space is essential. It made me realize that true ownership, the kind where you’re building something meaningful on your own terms, isn’t something you find in someone else’s system; it’s something you create.
But what if I told you that "sticky floor" isn't a dead end, but a springboard? That the very frustrations you're feeling might be the catalyst you need to leapfrog the traditional corporate ladder entirely & build a business that truly lights you up? Let's reframe this!
This isn't about blaming the system (though a little healthy venting with your business besties never hurt anyone!). It’s about taking ownership of your journey, leveraging your existing skills & experience, & creating a path to a richer, more fulfilling life – one designed by you, for you.
From Frustration to Freedom: Reframing the Middle Management Mindset
Let's be honest, the frustration of being stuck is real. You're likely juggling multiple projects, managing teams, & navigating office politics, all while trying to be present for your family. I get it. As a busy mum with four kids – two little ones, a school-aged daughter, and my teenage daughter navigating the wonderful world of GCSEs – trust me, I’m right there in the thick of it, juggling my PhD research & running a business. There are days when it feels like I'm constantly putting out fires, only to discover my toddler daughter has decided to use my almost-finished PhD chapter as a colouring book (true story, the highlighter-yellow additions were...interesting). But hey, that's part of the beautiful chaos, right? There was a time, shortly after launching Femmeprenista, whilst juggling my PhD and recovering from my fourth C-section, that the overwhelm felt crushing. I was trying to plan a new program launch, write my thesis, and keep two tiny humans alive (all while Espresso, our hyperactive Miniature Pinscher puppy, was using my office as her personal agility course). The turning point? Realizing that even small, consistent steps forward, even just 15 minutes of focused work snatched between nappy changes and puppy wrangling, were still progress. Celebrating those mini-wins, even the tiny ones, is key. This is the reality many Foundation Builders face.
But what if the real power lies not in blaming the system, but in figuring out how you can navigate it – like creating your own current, even when the tide’s against you? How can you turn those frustrations into fuel for your own entrepreneurial engine?
Think about it. Your middle management experience has equipped you with invaluable skills:
Strategic thinking
Project management
Team leadership
Communication
Problem-solving
And the list goes on! These aren’t just corporate buzzwords; they’re the very foundations of successful entrepreneurship. You've been honing these skills, often without full recognition or reward. Now, it’s time to claim them, own them, & leverage them to build something truly yours. As Lisa Nichols says, "You are the designer of your destiny. You are the author of your story."
Why Online Business is Your Secret Weapon
Online business is the ultimate leapfrog strategy. It allows you to bypass the slow climb of the corporate ladder & build something with unlimited potential, on your own terms, with the flexibility you crave. My own journey from middle management at Apple to building Femmeprenista, part of The Thrivology Company, is a testament to this. According to recent research (Forbes, 2023), women-led online businesses are experiencing a growth rate of X%, highlighting the incredible potential in this space. Last year, by implementing AI systems and streamlining my client onboarding process (something I'll be teaching in my Launch Programme, by the way!), I was able to increase my monthly recurring revenue by 20% whilst actually working fewer hours. It’s proof that smart work, not just hard work, is the key.
Think about it:
Location Independence: Work from anywhere, whether that’s your kitchen table (amidst the beautiful chaos, I know!), a co-working space, or a beachside café (once the kids are a bit older, maybe?). I'm even exploring relocating my family and business internationally – imagine working from a beach in Bali while the kids learn to surf! It's about designing the life you want, right?
Flexibility & Control: Set your own hours, create your own rules, be truly present for those school plays & sports days without needing to beg for time off. Remember how frustrating those limited school holiday leave policies were? Yeah, no more of that! As a mum, knowing I can take the kids to the park on a sunny afternoon without requesting permission from anyone is priceless.
Unlimited Earning Potential: Your income is directly tied to your efforts & the value you create, not capped by someone else's budget or pay scale. Remember that feeling of being underpaid, delivering £60k worth of work for a £30k salary? You have the power to change that narrative. It’s about building a sustainable income stream on your terms.
Direct Impact & Fulfillment: Build something meaningful, something that aligns with your values & makes a real difference in the world. No more feeling like a small cog in a giant, impersonal machine. It's about having the autonomy and impact that corporate life often lacks.
From Sticky Floor to Launchpad: Taking the Leap
I know what you might be thinking: "Easier said than done, Carlene! Where do I even start?" Trust me, I understand that feeling of overwhelm. It's easy to get caught in analysis paralysis, especially when you're already juggling so much.
That's why taking small, smart steps is key. I recently faced this myself when I was developing a new module for my Momentum Coaching program. I felt completely overwhelmed by the amount of research and content I wanted to include. My solution? I broke the project down into smaller, more manageable chunks, focusing on just one key concept per day. By setting a timer for just 30 minutes of focused work on each piece, I was able to make consistent progress without feeling like I was constantly drowning in to-dos.
Ready to turn that "sticky floor" into a launchpad to freedom? Here’s a quick 3-step checklist to get you started:
Brainstorm Power: Grab a notebook (or your phone, if that's more your style!) & jot down 3 business ideas inspired by your middle management skills. What are you naturally good at? What problems do you effortlessly solve at work? Those are your clues! For example, are you the go-to person for streamlining processes? Perhaps a business focused on helping other entrepreneurs optimize their workflows is your calling.
Research Rocket: Dive into the online world & research specific resources related to your chosen business idea. Check out platforms like Skillshare, Coursera, or even podcasts related to your niche. Look for free masterclasses or introductory programs – think of it as a taste test before you fully commit. This will give you a better understanding of the market, the demand, and potential learning opportunities.
Community Connection: Join a relevant online community. Connecting with others on a similar journey is invaluable. Sharing your aspirations and challenges with women who truly "get it" can be incredibly empowering. You’ll find resources, encouragement, & practical tips within a supportive network.
Ready to launch your online business & build a life you love? My Launch Programme is designed to help you take those first steps, from validating your idea to securing your first clients. Launch Programme.
Remember, the entrepreneurial journey isn't a sprint, it’s a marathon. It's a windy path, full of twists & turns, but absolutely navigable. You might twist your ankle along the way (metaphorically speaking!), but the difference is, you get back up, dust yourself off, & keep moving forward. It's about finding your own rhythm, your own pace, & celebrating every step of the way. As a fellow traveller on this path, remember you're not alone.
I’m here to cheer you on, every step of the way.
Carlene Nisbett
Founder & CEO, Femmeprenista (Coach, Mentor, Speaker)
Wife, Mother of four, Business Owner, PhD Researcher, Pet mom, Plant mom, 5'0" tall Passionate Multitasker & Wine Lover, You get the drift
P.S. This workbook is just the beginning!
If you're looking for a supportive community of like-minded female entrepreneurs who get it, why not pop over and say hello?
We'd love to welcome you!
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